5 killed in clash of armed bands in southern Mexico

May 21, 2015

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican government says a gunbattle between two armed bands has killed five people and wounded eight others in the southern state of Guerrero.

A statement issued late Wednesday by Mexico’s security Cabinet says the shooting happened earlier in the day in the town of Tlacotepec. The remote area about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of the state capital of Chilpancingo is known for opium poppy cultivation.

The statement says the army moved into the town to provide security after the shootout. It says troops seized three guns and four vehicles.